Update for November 24 – 30, 2003

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours/Blockout Dates | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Mickey Mouse turned 75, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.

Minnie remembered Mickey's birthday, but did he forget hers? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Disney company celebrated Mickey's 75th birthday in typical bicoastal fashion. While Walt Disney World in Florida threw a celebrity-studded event and unveiled a new resort-wide art installation, Disneyland had an unannounced “noon moment” in ToonTown and released a lot of commemorative merchandise.

Disneyland Resort Ambassador Daina Baker greets the crowd. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

It's tough to be Minnie Mouse. Although she turned 75 along with Mickey, her entire role in the celebration was to throw a surprise party for the Big Cheese. Party guests started to congregate in front of Mickey's House when ToonTown opened at 11—although Disneyland did not publicize the event in advance, main gate cast members told visitors about the “surprise party” as they entered the park, and members of the online Disney community spread the word on message boards.

Mickey and friends pose in front of Mickey's house. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

By noon, the street and sidewalks around Mickey's House were filled with visitors craning their necks to get a view of the proceedings. Four performers welcomed the crowd and explained that this was supposed to be a surprise party for Mickey, asking everyone to be as “quiet as a mouse.” Disneyland Resort Ambassador Daina Baker arrived next, followed by Minnie and friends. Minnie rang Mickey's doorbell, Mickey was “surprised," the crowd sang “Happy Birthday" to Mickey, and the event concluded in the requisite shower of confetti.

It was a cute, cheesy event—about what we have come to expect from Disneyland.

…But what happened next was a surprise even to jaded Disneyland regulars. Daina Baker thanked the crowd for coming, and ended by saying:

“Oh, and we invite you to check out a very special merchandise sale that’s going on at the World of Disney, in Downtown Disney—it’s celebrating Mickey's 75th birthday!”

The groan from the audience was audible.

75 Mickey sculptures are on display around the World of Disney store. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

One fan said, “It's always been about the money, and now they aren't even pretending otherwise.” Another said, “They just turned Mickey's birthday party into a commercial for T-shirts.”

Later in the day, Mickey—with Minnie in tow—appeared at the “My Disneyland Birthday" party event at Plaza Inn, where customers who plunked down $10 per person could eat cake with the characters.

…What a far cry from the park-wide celebrations held for Mickey's 60th birthday.

So, what about the merchandise? The new collection has the usual assortment of shirts, jackets, frames, mugs, plush and pins. The most interesting thing at the World of Disney is the new window display of 75 Mickey Mouse “Big Figs.” Each of the 75 figures are based on the same Mickey Mouse figure; only the hands vary. Each has been dressed in a different fabric costume, complete with accessories.

The Enchanted Tiki Mickey comes with his own parrot. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The costumes are varied and creative, with Mickey dressed as an astronaut, a knight, an Indian chief, Aladdin, the Mad Hatter, a tourist, and a pirate captain. Those costumes that are based on a cast member costume come complete with a “Mickey" name badge. Honored attractions include Tower of Terror, the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana Jones Adventure. Mickey also dresses as a Main Street “bobby,” Disneyland Railroad conductor, a New Century Timepieces cast member, and a Dapper Dan. The figures will be on display at the World of Disney until January 31, 2004, when they will be sold at auction.

Mickey Mouse sculptures, including the International, Marching Band, Dapper Dan and Band Leader figures shown here, will be auctioned off on January 31, 2004. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The 75 Mickey Mouse sculptures just installed at Walt Disney World will remain on display there until April 2004. Those sculptures will then embark on an 18-month tour that ends at the Disneyland Resort in October 2005. Those sculptures will remain on display here for several months, and then sold at auction. The proceeds of each sale will go to a charity picked by the artist of each statue.

A Disney artist decorates the sidewalk around the World of Disney Store with chalk art. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Annual Passholder kickoff

While Mickey was having his surprise party in Disneyland, annual passholders lined up inside Disney's California Adventure park to visit the passholder preview lounge. Once inside, passholders got to see a pony cast in the new Snow White musical, trade pins from the resurrected pin cart, and enter the “no cameras allowed” lounge. Inside, passholders received a button and a pack of Brother Bear trading cards.

Passholders waited up to 45 minutes to enter the lounge. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Passholders then got to watch a video for the Disney-MGM Studios' Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World, and look over some renderings of the costumes, landscaping and retail location for the DCA version. Across the room, a cast member stood with renderings from the upcoming Snow White production. MousePlanet reader Isaac posted about one of the renderings on our MousePad message boards (link), and compared the sets to Hieronymus Bosch's “The Garden of Earthly Delights.”

A pony from the new Snow White musical was on display at the preview. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Annual passholders could pose for photos with the Disney characters dressed in their holiday garb, and sip tiny glasses of apple cider while munching on popcorn. Passholder merchandise was available for sale, of course, and the foods department displayed a sign about the Candlelight Dinner packages. As passholders left the lounge, some were stopped by Disney survey takers, who asked for their thoughts about AP events.

Santa hears a Christmas wish from a young visitor. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Here comes Santa Claus

Santa returned to Disneyland this weekend, with a photo location on Main Street and an appearance in the Christmas Fantasy parade.

Toy soldiers lead the Christmas Fantasy parade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Chip and Dale play with their gift from Santa. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Work begins Monday to install holiday decor inside the Grand Californian Hotel, and Santa begins making regular appearances at all three resort hotels on Thanksgiving Day.

A holiday tradition, the roller-skating snowflakes are back. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey and Minnie enjoy a skater's waltz together. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Christmas Fantasy parade returned with few changes. Mickey and Minnie again grace the ice rink float, while Chip and Dale take to the streets in their wind-up car.

New reindeer delight some, but many miss the old costumes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The most noticeable change in this year's parade are the new reindeer dancers. Instead of the silly smiling reindeer from previous years—best known for their lolling tongues—the new herd is led by Rudolph, complete with a glowing red nose.

Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkles in the pre-fireworks calm. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Monorail Red is back in action. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Happily seeing Red

Monorail Red returned to service at Disneyland this weekend, giving the resort two functional trains. Monorails Blue and Purple are expected to return to service after the first of the year, when Orange and Red will return to the roundhouse for additional maintenance.

Construction continues on the Paradise Pier hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

New Annual Passholder discounts

• Annual passholders can book a room at the Paradise Pier hotel for $59. This offer is valid only on Sunday nights.
• Annual passholders can purchase an OC Arts card for $37.50, 25 percent off the regular price to obtain discounts to numerous Orange County arts venues. The first 500 passholders to purchase a card receive a second card for free. For more information or to order a card, visit the OC Arts card Web site (link) or call (888) 556-5160. To receive the annual passholder discount, use the offer code C04DIAP.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

The progress of Space Mountain's new paint job is visible from outside the park. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closed November 10 to December 11
• Mark Twain Riverboat closed indefinitely as of November 3
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely
• Space Mountain closed through 2005
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed indefinitely

Additional structures are going up around the Tower of Terror, including the entrance gate supports. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely
• Francis' Lady Bug Boogie closed through December 19

Future Attraction Closures

• Indiana Jones Adventure closed January 20 to April 3, 2004

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290.

Park Events

November

• Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night at the Paradise Pier hotel - Sunday, November 23, 5:00pm - 9:00pm

December

• Marie Osmond “Enchanted Tiki Room Hostess” doll release and meet-and-greet at Disneyland. Saturday, December 6.
• Candlelight Processional at Disneyland. December 6 and 7.
• Robert Olszewski “Central Plaza” sculpture release at Disneyland. Saturday, December 13.
• Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night at the Paradise Pier hotel - Sunday, December 14, 5:00pm - 9:00pm

January

• Disneyland Resort float in 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade, January 1, 2004
• 75 Years with Mickey auction, January 31, 2004.
• Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest pin release, date not announced. (Moved from November)

February

• Sleeping Beauty's Royal Ball, details available at the Disney Gallery Web site (link). February 14.

April

• Tower of Terror event, details to be announced at a later date. April 22 & 23, 2004

May

• A Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics – “A Disney Blast to the Past” Registration open to returning participants through October 15, open registration begins October 16. May 14 to 16.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Live an Artful Life with an OC Arts Card

The Disneyland Resort partnering with Arts Orange County sponsor the OC Arts Card, which provides cardholders with benefits such as savings on tickets, classes, merchandise and memberships at more than 40 nonprofit arts venues in the local Orange County community.

Annual passholders can purchase the 2004 card for $37.50, 25 percent off the regular price. In addition, the first 500 passholders to purchase a card receive a second card for free.

For more information or to order a card, visit the OCArts card Web site (link) or call (888) 556-5160. To receive the annual passholder discount, use offer code C04DIAP. The first card is mailed immediately; those who are among the first 500 will have the second card mailed at a later time.

Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute

“Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute” entitles active California firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel, with proper organization and photo ID, to one free three-day park hopper ticket. They can also make a one-time purchase of up to five three-day park hopper companion tickets for $39 each. Discounted hotel rates are also available at the three Disneyland Resort hotels.

The promotion is valid from November 11 to March 31, except for blackout dates of November 27 to 29, December 20 to January 3, and February 14 to 16. For more details, visit Disneyland's Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute Web page (link) or call (714) 520-5069.

Disneyland Resort Holiday Getaway offer

Disneyland is offering a holiday-themed variation on its recurring “get 5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3” offer. The promotion is available through January 2, 2004, and includes:

• A 5-day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-day ticket.
• A 4th night free at participating hotels, including the Disneyland Resort hotels and selected “Good Neighbor” hotels.
• A collectible pin and lanyard
• Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide
• A Disney holiday ornament (with arrivals between November 10 - December 31, 2003)

Have a Coke and a pass

Specially marked 12-packs and two-liter bottles of Coca-Cola in Southern California are currently offering a $20 off coupon towards the purchase of a new Deluxe or Premium Disneyland Resort Annual Pass. The coupon is valid through Jan 31, 2004.

A Nightmare deal at Costco

MousePad member Tiki Junki purchased a copy of The Nightmare Before Christmas at a local Costco store, and discovered a Disneyland Resort offer inside. The $13 Special Edition DVD comes with a voucher for up to four pre–issued Fastpass tickets for the Haunted Mansion, and a voucher for one free cloisonné pin from the Le Bat en Rouge Shop in New Orleans Square. The vouchers are good until March 31, 2004, and are redeemable at Disneyland—there is nothing to mail in, and no four-to-six-week wait for the passes and pin to arrive.

Annual Passholders nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels

Annual passholder discounts are available at the Paradise Pier Hotel through Friday, December 12. Rates are $79 per night weekdays, and $119 per night weekends. AP rooms are also available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at higher rates.

Get 5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3

Book a package at the Disneyland Resort for a minimum four-nights through the Walt Disney Travel Company, and the package price includes one night's free accommodations at participating hotels. Your package will also include a five-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket for the price of a three-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket. Click here for a list of participating hotels and dates.

Disney's Armed Forces Salute

Through Friday, December 19, all active members of the United States military (including Coast Guard and activated National Guard and Reservists) qualify for Disney's Armed Forces Salute and can claim one free 3-day park-hopper tickets. Since the tickets expire on December 19, you must claim them by December 17 to use all three day's worth. The passes can only be claimed at a park gate ticket booth. To claim the passes, valid military ID must be shown; activated National Guard and Reservists must also show their active duty orders.

In addition to the one free pass, each qualifying person can also purchase up to five 3-day companion passes for $39 each. If the qualifying person cannot visit a park to purchase these companion tickets, a spouse may do so instead.

Annual passholder discounts at Alamo

California residents get discounts of up to 20 percent off Alamo's retail rates in the United States. For more details and the discount code you'll need for this offer, visit the annual passholder section of the Disneyland Web site.

ESPN Zone discounts for annual passholders

Disneyland annual passholders can get an Season Ticket Frequent Dining Card at the Downtown Disney ESPN Zone. The Season Ticket entitles you to a free soda with your meal purchase of $6.99 or more. Once you have made four meal purchases, you receive the fifth meal and soda free, and get a chance to win a pair of tickets to the ESPY Awards in 2004. See location for more information and details.

City Pass now available with AAA packages

You can now purchase the Southern California City Pass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages.

A Southern California City Pass booklet includes admission to five separate entertainment options:

• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
• 1-day ticket to Sea World Adventure park
• 1-day ticket to the World-famous San Diego Zoo
• 1-day ticket to Knott's Theme Park.

Instead of the Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket currently included in California packages from the Walt Disney Travel Company, guests can select a Southern California city's for an additional charge of $47 per pass ($32 per pass for guests ages 3 through 9).

Note: The Southern California City's does not include the $10 ESPN Zone Arena Game Card, or the California package's feature that allows guests to collect multiple Fastpass tickets at once for free in advance.

5-Day Park Hopper promotion extended

The “Get a 5-Day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-Day ticket” promotion has been extended through January 5, 2004. These tickets are available when from the Disneyland Web site (link). Restrictions apply—see site for details.

AAA Passport Plus Package

For $122.75, you can get a 5-day park hopper and the following extras:

• Multiple attraction Fastpass (The “Unlimited” option)
• Breakfast in the park (one per person)
• Free ESPN Zone arena game card ($10 value)
• AAA Free parking at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

A $13.75 FedEx fee applies to each reservation, (not per person). This package is available without an air or hotel purchase, and must be purchased at your local AAA affiliate office at least 5 days before you plan to use the tickets.

Many readers have experienced difficulties when trying to purchase this package from their local AAA affiliate. Be sure to read this thread on our MousePad discussion boards, for more information about the package and tips on how to help your AAA travel agent book your package.

AAA-Disney's Resort Magic Package

This package requires a minimum 2-night hotel stay, and includes:

• Accommodations at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, or Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
• Disneyland Resort Hotel self-parking and Fitness Center access
• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket – valid for entry into Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure park with full park-hopping privileges
• Free ESPN Zone Arena Game Card – $10 value (one per person)
• New. Collect Fastpass tickets for multiple attractions at one time. Preferred Seating at a choice of select shows in Disney's California Adventure
• Exclusive – Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard (one per person)
• Exclusive – Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one per package)
• Exclusive – Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide (one per package)

You can book this package through your local AAA affiliate travel agent.

Park Hours/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney’s California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates: SoCal - Southern California Annual Pass. DX - Deluxe Annual Pass

Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2003-2004 page to see more dates.

Entertainment Schedule

Did you recently notice something new or different in the park? Are you a CM with something intriguing to share? Heard any good rumors lately, or know of something our readers will wanna know? Send them in so we can follow up on them!

PREVIOUS UPDATES

2005

• January: 3, 10, 17, 24
• February: 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
• March: 7, 14, 21, 28
• April: 4, 11, 18, 25
• May: 2, 9, 16, 23
• June: 1, 6, 13, 20, 27
• July: 5, 11, 19, 25
• August: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• September: 6, 12, 19, 26
• October: 3, 10, 24, 31
• November: 7

2004

• January: 5, 12, 19, 26
• Febuary: 2, 9, 16, 24
• March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• April: 5, 12, 19, 26
• May: 3, 10, 18, 24
• June: 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
• July: 6, 12, 19, 26
• August: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• September: 7, 13, 20, 27
• October: 4, 11, 18, 25
• November: 1, 9, 15, 23, 29
• December: 7, 13, 20, 27

2003

• Jan: 6, 13, 20, 27
• Feb: 3, 10, 17, 24
• March: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• April: 7, 14, 21, 28
• May: 5, 12, 19, 27
• June: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• July: 7, 14, 21, 28
• August: 4, 11, 18, 25
• September: 2, 8, 15, 22, 29
• October: 6, 14, 20, 27
• November: 3, 11, 17, 24
• December: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

2002

• Dec: 16, 23, 27

Don't forget our Park Updates: Walt Disney World, published on Mondays.

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